Carmi Mayor David Port confirmed a new O'Reilly Auto Parts store is coming to town and "talked trash" about the delays in the city's curbside trash pick up service in recent weeks.

Port was asked by The Times at Monday evening's regular Carmi City Council meeting if he knew what was going to be put in front of the Wal-Mart store on the city's west side. The Times had noted a real estate "sold" sign on the vacant parcel of ground that was now occupied by the sign.

The mayor balked, saying he wasn't sure if the company wanted to disclose their intentions at this time. Someone in the crowd responded he had heard it was an O'Reilly Auto Parts, and the mayor nodded his head and said, "Yes, that is what it is."

Port also said he wanted to take a moment to "talk trash" about the recent delays in the city's curbside trash pick up service and said there was an unfortunate series of events beyond anyone's control that led to many customers having a back-up of trash to be picked up.

He said both the New Year's and Christmas holidays fell on weekdays this year and, in between, we were hit with a blizzard, complicating matters. Then, when the company contracted to remove the trash went to work on the problem, one of their trucks broke down, further delaying the removal of the trash.

The mayor quipped that he had read on a social media site that a group of citizens was going to take their trash to the mayor's house and dump it in his lawn but, fortunately, that didn't happen. He added he had been assured by the company all the trash would be picked up by Tuesday evening (tonight).

The council heard a report from the city's insurance providers about what to expect as far as premiums in the coming year. The council will decide in February what plan to choose for insurance in 2013.

The city had been paying $1,042,596 in 2009 for its insurance, or about $16,575 per employee. The city switched to its current plan in 2010 and realized a savings when the premium dropped to $833,442, or about $13,250 per employee.

The rate dropped again in 2011 but rose to $892,829 in 2012. Depending on the plan the city council chooses in February, the cost could be between $886,314.09 and $911,867.55 for renewal in 2013.

The mayor also said Illinois Department of Transportation officials have approached the city about making Oak Street, and possibly Main Street, official "snow routes." A new ordinance declaring such would give authority to officials to tow vehicles parked alongside the streets that are on designated "snow routes."

Port thanked the city crews for their efforts at removing the large amount of snow that has accumulated recently. He reported Jim Renshaw has driven more than 600 miles at the wheel of a snowplow inside the city limits.

Page 2 of 2 - Alderman Jack Lamont said the city's compost site is closed on Saturdays until further notice, however, those wanting to use the facility can go to city hall and request to borrow a key.